1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M3 | Honor X7a | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 162.3 × 77.3 × 9.6 mm | 167.5 × 76.9 × 8.3 mm | The Honor X7a is taller and thinner, while the Poco M3 is slightly wider and thicker. The X7a might feel more comfortable in hand due to the thinner profile. The Poco M3 is more bulky. |
| Weight | 198g | 196g | Both phones are very similar in weight; the difference is negligible. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.53" | 6.75" | Honor X7a has a slightly larger screen, which may be better for media consumption or gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 720x1600 | Xiaomi Poco M3's screen will appear significantly sharper and clearer, making text and images much more detailed compared to the X7a. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 395 | 260 | The Poco M3's higher PPI will result in a noticeably sharper display, reducing pixelation of icons, text, and images. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | TFT LCD | The IPS LCD in Poco M3 generally offers better viewing angles and color reproduction compared to the TFT LCD in the Honor X7a. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | Both offer standard refresh rate; scrolling will appear equally smooth on both. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Brightness is identical, but the actual real world value is unknown. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Mediatek Helio G37 (12 nm) | The Snapdragon 662 in Poco M3 is generally more powerful, which will translate to better performance for demanding apps and games compared to the Helio G37. |
| AnTuTu Score | 185,028 | 125,000 | The Poco M3 will offer noticeably better overall performance, including faster app loading and smoother multitasking. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | PowerVR GE8320 | The Adreno 610 in Poco M3 provides better graphics performance, leading to a smoother gaming experience and better rendering of graphics-intensive apps. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 6000mAh | 5330mAh | The Poco M3 offers potentially longer battery life on a single charge. |
| Charging | 18W fast charging | 22.5W fast charging | The Honor X7a will charge faster than the Poco M3, reducing downtime. |
| Features | Reverse charging, 22.5W fast charger in-box | Non-removable | Poco M3 can be used as a power bank for other devices. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 48MP | 50MP | The Honor X7a has a slightly higher resolution, allowing for slightly more detailed photos in optimal conditions. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.79 | f/1.8 | The wider aperture in the Poco M3 may perform slightly better in low-light conditions, capturing more light. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/2" | Unknown | Larger sensor in Poco M3 can lead to better low light performance and shallower depth of field. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 8MP | 8MP | Both have the same front-facing camera resolution, providing similar detail in selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 5MP f/2.2 | Honor X7a allows for wide-angle shots that can fit more into the frame than Poco M3's main camera. |
| Portrait Mode (Depth) Lens | None | 2MP f/2.4 | Honor X7a can better apply a background blur to portrait photos |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP f/2.4 | Honor X7a allows for detailed close up photos of small objects. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps; slow-motion: 120 fps | 1080p@30fps; slow-motion: 30 fps | Both phones offer standard 1080p video, but the Poco M3 can record slow motion at 120fps which allows for more dramatic slow motion videos. |
| Camera Features | Triple camera, Manual focus | Quadruple camera, PDAF, CDAF | Poco M3 offers manual focus while Honor X7a offers fast autofocus and an additional lens. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Android 12 | Honor X7a has a newer operating system with updated features and security, while the Poco M3 has an older version of Android. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac dual band | 802.11ac dual band | Both phones have similar wi-fi capability. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.1 LE, EDR | Honor X7a's Bluetooth is slightly newer, and offers slightly faster connection and lower power consumption, but the difference is very minimal. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, NavIC System | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Poco M3 offers potentially better location accuracy with the additional support for NavIC. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Both phones support Dual SIM capabilities. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64 GB or 128 GB | 128 GB | Both offer the same max storage options, but only the Poco M3 offers lower storage options. |
| RAM | 4 GB or 6 GB | 4 GB or 6 GB | Both phones offer the same RAM options, both suitable for moderate multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Basic audio features | Poco M3 delivers better audio quality through its stereo speakers and Hi-Res audio, providing a more immersive experience for music and videos. |
| Security | |||
| Features | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both offer basic biometric security through a side-mounted fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Unknown | Poco M3 is more scratch resistant than the Honor X7a because of Gorilla Glass 3. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity | Honor X7a has more sensors, enabling advanced features in apps and games that need gyroscope functionality. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Poco M3 Advantages:
- Sharper Display: Higher resolution and PPI leading to a significantly better viewing experience.
- Better Performance: More powerful processor and GPU for smoother multitasking and gaming.
- Larger Battery: Longer battery life on a single charge.
- Better Audio: Stereo speakers and Hi-Res audio enhance the audio experience.
- Reverse Charging: Can charge other devices, offering versatility.
- Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 3 for added durability.
- Better GPS: NavIC System support.
- Slow-mo Video: Can shoot slow motion videos at a higher frame rate.
- Wider Aperture: Slightly better low light performance.
- Manual Focus: Manual focus option to control focus in photos.
Practical Implications: The Poco M3 is better for users who prioritize a sharp display, smooth performance, a long battery life, better audio, and a more rugged design.
Honor X7a Advantages:
- Newer Android Version: More up-to-date software and security features.
- Faster Charging: Less downtime due to quicker charging.
- Additional Cameras: Wide-angle, portrait, and macro lenses provide more shooting options.
- More Sensors: Gyroscope for advanced app and game features.
- Bluetooth 5.1: More efficient bluetooth connectivity.
- Phase and Contrast Autofocus: Faster focus for photos and videos.
Practical Implications: The Honor X7a is better for users who value updated software, faster charging, camera versatility, and advanced app compatibility.
Trade-offs:
- The Poco M3 has superior display and performance, but the X7a offers a more flexible camera system and more up-to-date software.
- The X7a charges faster, but the Poco M3 has a longer-lasting battery and can be used to charge other devices.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco M3 Ideal User:
- Media Consumer: Enjoys watching videos and movies on their phone.
- Mobile Gamer: Plays games and requires smoother performance.
- Battery Life Prioritizer: Needs a phone that lasts all day without frequent charging.
- Audio Enthusiast: Appreciates high-quality audio and stereo sound.
- Budget Conscious: Wants a high-value phone for everyday use.
Use Cases:
- Streaming movies and TV shows on the go.
- Playing demanding mobile games without lag.
- Long days out without needing to charge the phone.
- Listening to music and podcasts with good sound quality.
- Sharing content on social media.
Honor X7a Ideal User:
- Photography Enthusiast: Enjoys capturing photos with various lenses.
- Software Up-to-date User: Prefers the latest software features and security patches.
- Fast Charging Prioritizer: Needs to quickly charge their phone.
- Feature-Rich User: Wants a diverse camera system for creative control.
- App Compatibility User: Wants gyroscope support for apps and games.
Use Cases:
- Taking a variety of photos, including wide-angle shots and close-ups.
- Using augmented reality apps and games that require a gyroscope.
- Quickly charging the phone during short breaks.
- Using advanced features on applications and games.
- Regular social media content creation.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Poco M3 offers a superior display and better performance at a potentially lower price, making it excellent value.
- The Honor X7a provides additional camera features and more modern software, which is a good value to users with these priorities.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Display Quality or Camera Versatility? Do you prioritize a sharper, clearer display for media consumption, or a more flexible camera system with additional lenses?
- Performance or Software? Do you need more processing power for gaming and multitasking or are you more concerned with having the latest software version and security updates?
- Battery Life or Charging Speed? Do you need a battery that lasts as long as possible on a single charge, or is faster charging more important?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Heavy Media Use and Gaming: If you frequently watch videos, play games, and need smooth performance, the Xiaomi Poco M3 is the better option due to its sharper display, better processor, and larger battery.
- Scenario 2: Casual User with Camera Needs: If you primarily use your phone for social media, take photos and want additional camera features and updated software, the Honor X7a is more suitable.
- Scenario 3: Balanced Usage: If you value a good balance between a decent display, better camera versatility, and updated software and do not need heavy gaming performance or extended battery life, the Honor X7a is a great option.
- Scenario 4: Budget Conscious: If you are on a tight budget and need the best value for performance and display quality, the Xiaomi Poco M3 is the better value proposition.
My Choice
I would choose the Xiaomi Poco M3. While the Honor X7a has a few compelling features such as the newer Android version, faster charging and more camera options, the Poco M3's significantly sharper display, superior performance, longer battery life, and better audio experience are more important for my usage. I prioritize a great viewing experience, smooth multitasking, and a device that can last all day without requiring frequent charging. Additionally the Poco M3 has a better protection with its Corning Gorilla Glass 3 screen protection. The Poco M3, therefore, offers a better overall experience for my specific needs.
